Review of Asset Languages

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20/09/2012

As accreditation for the existing Asset Languages qualification range expires at the end of December 2013, OCR is undertaking a thorough review. No final decision has been taken about the range of languages that will be available under Asset in the future. We intend to confirm the results of our review by Christmas 2012.

As part of the review, we are conducting research with key stakeholders into all the options available, to help us to continue to provide as broad a range of language qualifications as possible.

Part of the research which OCR is undertaking is a broader project looking at language provision which started earlier this summer. If you are interested in taking part in this wider language research, email OCR at AssetLanguagesReview@ocr.org.uk.

To inform our review, we want to hear the views of our Asset stakeholders. If you are currently delivering Asset languages or are part of the wider languages community, follow the link to our survey below.

Initial analysis makes it clear that the current situation is not sustainable. Fewer than 120 candidates in total took Asset exams in four of the current languages on offer last year. Just one candidate took an Asset qualification in Irish this year. OCR’s Turkish GCSE had 1416 entries last year while Asset had less than 7% of this figure. We have to date only made a firm commitment to the re-development of five languages: French, German, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin. We have decided that Advanced Stage qualifications in these languages will not be available after 2013.

The evidence suggests that changes in policy relating to accountability measures and funding signal that uptake will decline considerably from this already low base. We will need either to cut the number of levels and languages available, or to make changes to assessment models. If languages have to be withdrawn, we will be looking into alternatives and to support organisations through transition arrangements.

We will keep you informed of the progress of our review with a further update in early November.